Get Rid of Roaches Yourself

Updated on November 2, 2016

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So, you are here reading an article on how to get rid of roaches, which most likely means you have seen a roach. And if you have seen a roach (be it even one), it most likely means there are hundreds more lurking around behind walls, in cracks and crevices, between appliances.

As disgusting as that is seeing and thinking about these roaches invading your home, there are ways to get rid of the little pests. Not only are there many ways to exterminate them, but there are also several ways you can do it cheaply, safely, and effectively, without having to bug bomb your house.

You may have already tried keeping things clean, food put away, and areas clear of dampness, yet you still have encountered a problem. I have been there and seen it. Give these methods a try, and find the one that eradicates the problem for you.

Use Borax

Commonly used in detergents, Borax is a white mineral powder that when mixed with sugar, is a good way to attract and then kill unsuspecting roaches.

Purchase Borax, usually found in the laundry detergent aisle

Mix one part Borax with an equal amount of sugar

Sprinkle around edges of areas where roaches have been seen

Keep out of reach of pets and kids

If placing in a moist area, place mixture on a sheet of tinfoil, as this substance when wet will create a mess that you don't want on your floors

With most roach treatments, allow a few weeks to completely do the job. It is advised that you continue the treatment during this time, re-sprinkling the mixture.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is another powder substance that can be sprinkled around edges, ledges, on top of cabinets, behind appliances, and anywhere else.

What this substance does is dehydrates the cockroaches, meaning it will take a few days before the infected roach actually dies. And because the roach is losing its ability to hold water, you may see more bold roaches searching for water. This is a sign that they are dehydrating, so don't be surprised when you see more than usual at first.

Complete removal of roaches could take a few weeks.

Use Catnip

This method should NOT be used if you have cats in the house. Reason being? You will have a psychotic couple of weeks with your pet. If you have a cat, use bay leaves in lieu of catnip, as bay leaves repel as well.

Roaches are repelled by catnip, and so putting catnip around the house assists in repelling the ugly critters.

An even better way is to use catnip tea

Boil water

Place catnip in boiling water

Allow catnip to sit in boiling water for several minutes

Discontinue heating the water and allow water to cool

Once catnip tea is cool enough, insert it into a spray bottle

Now spray away, spraying affected areas and any other crack and crevice

Use a Jar of Water

Get rid of roaches with a jar of water? Is it that simple? For some, yes, it is.

Get a glass jar and fill it no more than 1/2 way, preferably slightly lower.

Add a few coffee grinds into the water to attract the roaches

Place jars next to walls

Empty periodically

What this does is attracts the cockroach to enter the jar, resulting in them slipping into the water. Their legs are not sticky enough to allow them to climb out of the jar, causing them to be trapped, hence why you would want to empty out the jar on occasion.

Use Dryer Sheets

I thought I would add this, though it has yet to be confirmed it works for cockroaches. Evidently, Kansas State University has come up with a study where dryer sheets repel insects. Some on the internet claim it works well with cockroaches. You be the judge.

Purchase Bounce dryer sheets (some claim the cheaper brands work just as well)

Place dryer sheets in infested areas

See if the sheets repel the insects

Roach-Proof Your Home

Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. The following are some strategies you can use to defend your house from being roach invaded.

Seal cracks and crevices. An example would be in a bathroom you can use caulk to plug the crack between the tub and floor.

Keep your house clean. Roaches love food and filth, so keeping on top of the house cleaning is a must.

Check for leaks and moisture. More than food, roaches love water and moisture. Check under sinks and fridges to ensure that there are no moisture makers creating an oasis for the nasty roaches.